Strategies for a blended family.
A blended family is one that includes children of a previous marriage or relationship that come together as one. Just like every other family, it can be challenging to run and manage a blended family but. unlike the average family, a blended family is way more difficult to manage. Things can go south real fast if care is not taken.
There are several steps one can take in order to run and manage a successful blended family.
Strategies for managing a blended family
1. Build on personal relationships
This is very important. As a stepparent, it is normal for your stepchild to feel some resentment or dislike towards you. You must know that this is normal and to take them in as your own kids. These step children behave this way because their real mom or dad isn’t there, either by divorce or death. You have to show them genuine parental love and care. Work on your relationships together. Find out what they like, what they hate, and just get go know them better. Once you do, you both will start living as parent and child in no time with no form of resentment.
2. Don’t fall victim of favoritism.
As a step parent, one is often tempted to bend towards the stepchild against your own kids in a bid to win their love and trust. Don’t fall a victim of this. This will only create an unhealthy tension amongst your kids and can potentially result in genuine hate. Always be fair in your judgement.
3. Communication is key.
Communicating regularly with your stepkids is vital. Always make sure to connect with them, find out how their day was, what is bothering them and what they have in mind. This also applies to the full blended family. Make sure you present yourself in such in an open manner for everyone to share their views. Create time for family meetings and let the children share what is bothering them currently in the family. This will give room for correction and increase the family bond.
4. Share activities together
This one is often neglected but is very important. Endeavor to carry out family activities together. Things such as a picnic, camping, seeing a movie, or playing a favorite sport. Engage yourselves in fun activities together.
5. Don’t expect immediate change.
You may be giving a lot of time and energy into making sure your new family works without noticing any significant change. It is important not to let that level of dedication drop because of this. It often takes a little time for blended families to fully click and to accept each other. Allow this time to come and give room for growth and development amongst members while maintaining your level of support and care.
6. Avoid too many changes.
It is vital as step parents not to make too many changes in the family at once. Most children don’t respond well to this. They may become upset and start acting up. Let these changes come in gradually, one after another. Cramping up everything at once can ruin the blended family that hasn’t even begun.
7. Respect.
In a blended family, one of the most critical tools for coexisting is respect. It is essential to respect your step child’s decisions every now and then. Don’t go forcing them to take actions they don’t wish to. Respect their choices and move on. It is also important to let your kids know the importance of respecting their stepdad or mom.
Respect is key in any blended family.
